Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has joined Napoli on a free transfer following his release from Manchester City, the Serie A champions’ president Aurelio De Laurentiis has confirmed.
De Laurentiis made the announcement via social media on Thursday, posting a photo of himself with the 32-year-old midfielder and the simple caption: “Welcome Kevin!”
The announcement ends weeks of speculation about De Bruyne’s future, with the former Manchester City star choosing Napoli as his next destination after nine highly successful years in the Premier League.
De Bruyne had become a free agent following the expiry of his contract at City, where he won five Premier League titles and was widely regarded as one of the league’s greatest ever midfielders.
Napoli have yet to release full details of the player’s contract, but club officials have confirmed that the agreement was finalised earlier this week after prolonged negotiations.
De Laurentiis had previously hinted at the club’s interest in the veteran playmaker, saying, “It takes two to make a deal,” when asked about the ongoing talks.
With his arrival, De Bruyne becomes Napoli’s marquee signing of the summer as the club looks to defend its Serie A title under incoming head coach Antonio Conte.
The move to Italy marks the next chapter in De Bruyne’s storied career, which has seen him lift multiple trophies in England and make over 100 appBelgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has officially signed for Napoli on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Manchester City at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Napoli unveiled the 33-year-old on Thursday via their official social media channels, posting a digital graphic of De Bruyne seated on a throne with the caption: “King Kev is here.”
De Bruyne, who spent 10 years at Manchester City, joins the reigning Serie A champions under newly appointed head coach Antonio Conte. The move ensures the midfielder remains in elite European competition, with Napoli qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season.
Reports in Italy and the UK indicate De Bruyne rejected interest from Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire to remain in top-tier European football.
The midfielder leaves City having won 19 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, five League Cups, two FA Cups, and the club’s first-ever UEFA Champions League title in 2023. He played a pivotal role in City’s historic treble that season.
De Bruyne’s departure was confirmed before the end of the season, with the midfielder bidding farewell to fans at the Etihad Stadium following his final home game against Bournemouth.
Reflecting on his time at City, De Bruyne said in an earlier club interview:
“It’s been unbelievable to have the 10 years that I had with everything that happened here. It’s been an unbelievable ride and an absolute pleasure.”
“Manchester has been my home and my family’s home for these past 10 years. I’m super proud to have played a part in that success.”
De Bruyne will now team up with fellow midfielders Scott McTominay and Billy Gilmour in a Napoli squad that narrowly clinched the Serie A title last season.
Manchester City, meanwhile, have moved to bolster their midfield following De Bruyne’s departure, signing Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Olympique Lyonnais.
